CHARGERS’ SMITH IN NO BIG RUSH TO SIGN BACKUP RB

When General Manager A.J. Smith looks at free agency, he sees four different veterans he likes. When he glances at the calendar, he knows the NFL Draft is coming — and a pool of prospects with it.

He can choose experience or youth, a Ryan Grant or a LaMichael James.

“We have time,” Smith said of adding a backup behind Ryan Mathews. “That is not a pressing thing like other positions were. A backup coming back on the defensive line and nose tackle: pressing. Our line, left tackle and center: pressing. That’s not. That’s kind of on a back burner right now.

“As long as the veteran list is big of people we like and they keep calling constantly because they’d like to be a part of this team, we’re OK. If everybody starts coming off that veteran list, between now and the draft, then I think you’re going to start seeing some signings. And if you don’t, that’s not a good sign for a lot of those NFL vets.”

Along with Grant, those vets include Cadillac Williams, Joseph Addai, Tim Hightower, Cedric Benson and Justin Forsett. Jackie Battle, whom the team hosted on a visit last month, also remains available.

Or they could go drafting.

Defense is expected to be San Diego’s focus on April 26-28, considering 12 of the 16 unrestricted free agents they’ve signed so far don’t play it. They also like fullback Le’Ron McClain as an option behind Mathews, Smith said.

So, if the Chargers address running back, it’s safe to expect it won’t be in the first round.

The aforementioned James, out of Oregon, has the speed and, well, lack of height that have drawn comparisons to former Chargers running back Darren Sproles. He might not have, however, Sproles’ knack for pass protection.

At 5-foot-8 and 194 pounds, James ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the combine, second behind Miller’s 4.40. He is projected to go as early as the second round.

Locally, San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman also ran a 4.45 and could be available later on.

“What are we going to do? I don’t know,” Smith said. “It’s still ongoing. But our eye is out there for the right guy, be it a college kid, now that we’re getting close to the draft, or a running back that is an NFL vet, and there are a ton of them out there. There really, really are some pretty good guys as backups.

“Remember the role. A backup running back, ready to go, ready to go to work.”